Predictions
I’m listening to the rain and a bit of thunder this morning as storms move through our area of the world. The weather service predicted that this would happen. There is a lot of science to weather prediction, and they often get it right, but sometimes it’s way off the mark. The farmer’s almanac has been making predictions for years. Predictions are sometimes well-educated guesses and sometimes they are just guesses.
When it comes to predicting behavior, past behavior will often predict future behaviors and outcomes. When I was in student ministry, I could almost predict which students would go on to have a good career and a good life based on their current choices and their environment at home. This is most definitely NOT an exact science. I’ve watched people who were headed down a bad road give their lives to Jesus and the trajectory of their lives were altered dramatically.
Paul was in custody of a Roman captain named Julius. The captain seems to treat Paul with respect and kindness. He was to accompany Paul to Rome where he would stand trial. The trip had some mishaps and Paul predicted trouble. Check this out…
10 “Men,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” 11 But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul. (Acts 27:10-11 NLT)
Predictions are sometimes warnings about what is coming. They are sometimes general predictions, but other predictions are very specific. I can make predictions on my own life because of my choices and my behavior today. The Word of God gives strong predictions about eternity. My medical doctor gives me counsel and advice on my health. He advises a healthy diet and exercise.
I want to listen to wise counsel and consider the predictions that are introduced to me. I want to carefully study the predictions that I find in God’s Word. The Lord holds my future in His hands. I trust in Him no matter what predictions scare me or comfort me.
Pressing On!
Dwayne